British actors are increasingly locked out of EU job opportunities due to post-Brexit visa rules, paperwork delays, and extra costs, according to new evidence submitted to a parliamentary inquiry. The performers' union Equity and casting directory Spotlight have warned that the barriers are having a 'catastrophic' impact on the creative industries, with performing arts exports to the EU falling from £1.15bn in 2016 to £929m in 2023.
Since Brexit, UK performers face visa restrictions allowing only 90 days of work in any 180-day period, including holidays. Social security costs of 12% to 22% of pay are deducted in the country of work, with reclaims taking months. Some members have been taxed on accommodation as a 'benefit in kind', significantly reducing net wages. The National Theatre halted European tours in 2021, and White Horse Theatre, Europe's largest educational touring company, said Brexit threatens its future.
TV commercial work is 'almost completely unavailable' to UK performers, Spotlight said, with some holiday companies refusing to audition UK-only passport holders for adverts filmed in the EU. One casting director noted that pre-Brexit, a single TV campaign employed 45 UK-based staff, but similar campaigns are now cast from Spain or other EU countries. The quick-turnaround nature of shooting makes it easier to avoid UK talent altogether.
While star performers like Theo James still find work, jobbing actors are increasingly excluded. Matt Hood, managing director of Spotlight, said: 'Brexit has placed British performers in a cultural cul-de-sac. The opportunity to export talent has diminished considerably.' The performers' union Equity called for urgent government action to negotiate better access for UK creatives.
